We were proud to welcome Saturday night TV star Ella-Mae Rayner to officially open our newly refurbished Children’s Emergency Department (ED) at The Princess Alexandra Hospital on 19 May. It will open to patients in the coming weeks, in its original location adjacent to the main ED.
The department is a bright, attractive, calm environment, with décor designed to appeal to the wide range of ages the department serves (0-16 years of age). Importantly, the reconfiguration has allowed for additional space which means more children and young people can be treated, with far greater privacy. It is also an improved environment for staff to work in. Additionally, a bespoke safe space with en-suite bathroom facilities for young people who present to ED with a mental health crisis has been included.
Ella-Mae had the opportunity to meet children and families on the hospital’s children’s ward (Dolphin Ward), together with a tour of the refurbished Children’s Emergency Department, before officially cutting the ribbon.
Thom Lafferty, Chief Executive, said: “The newly refurbished Children’s Emergency Department is a real step forward in the care environment for our young patients and their families.
“It was fantastic for Ella-Mae to join us for the official opening – there were smiles all round from our young patients and it was a great way to celebrate. Thank you to Ella-Mae and everyone involved.”
Ella-Mae Rayner said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be invited to open the newly refurbished Children’s Emergency Department at The Princess Alexandra Hospital.
“I was blown away with the incredible facility knowing it would make each patient’s visit a much more comfortable experience. The staff are incredible and the children in their care are extremely lucky to have such amazing staff members looking after them.
“I hope the newly refurbished Children’s Emergency Department makes not only the child but their family feel a lot more at ease on their visit. It was an honour to have seen the smile on the children’s faces who I met there knowing what a difference this will make.”
Photo 1 (main image): Ella-Mae Rayner, second from right, with young patients and families, and Alex the Alligator, mascot for the children’s ED.
Photo 2: Thom Lafferty, Chief Executive (right), with Ella-Mae Rayner (second from right), Alex the Alligator, and young patients and their families enjoying the event.
Photo 3 and 4: Some of the interior of the refurbished Children’s Emergency Department.